
Moving from town or suburb to another area of the country or state can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible.
Research before you move. It's important to understand the culture you're joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you can, visit a city before moving and connect with someone who's lived there before. If you are moving to Southern California, you may find the Insider Magazine can help you find local information.
Have a plan. There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you'll stay while you look for a home. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven't seen. If you can't get there, find a friend or an employer to check for you.
Have a job waiting for you, or if that's not possible, know what you'll do for money in the first few weeks of living there. Try to line up things like driver's licenses, car insurance, renter's insurance, and parking passes ahead of time as well.
Get involved. Meeting new people can be daunting. Don't expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive: life today in many areas is often too noisy and hectic. Take the initiative. If there are things you liked to do in your town, find ways to do those things in your new home. Try new things. Volunteer. There are always many opportunities to engage other people, so find what you like, and reach out.
Mind your wallet. Your new location may be more expensive than you are accustomed to. Everything may cost more: food, insurance, clothes, rent or mortgage, property taxes. Be careful how you spend, budget to know where your money is going.
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